ZBeta has announced the appointment of Conal O'Doherty and Jesse "JJ" Knutson as principals of the firm, enhancing the company's leadership team. Previously serving as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, O'Doherty and Knutson have played crucial roles in refining ZBeta's brand and client engagement, as well as advancing its corporate strategies and operational efficiency.
In their new positions, they will collaborate with CEO Zack Brunette to steer the firm's strategic development and operational priorities forward.
ZBeta's focus on security transformation
ZBeta has based its functions on the principle that efficient security agendas should merge
For years, ZBeta has based its operations on the principle that efficient security programmes should integrate seamlessly with organisational processes, minimising obstacles and boosting potential.
The elevation of O'Doherty and Knutson to principals reaffirms the leadership's dedication to transforming security functions into exemplars of organisational excellence.
ZBeta's proven leadership
ZBeta's leadership is known for developing security and business consulting solutions tailored to client needs, enhanced by years of experience working with prominent organisations including Amazon, Microsoft, and Wells Fargo.
This depth of experience has positioned the firm as a trusted partner for security leaders globally, who seek solutions in an increasingly complex landscape.
JJ Knutson's contribution to operational excellence
JJ Knutson has actually guided ZBeta's consulting, design, and engineering units, leveraging over 25 years
As Chief Operating Officer, JJ Knutson has effectively guided ZBeta's consulting, design, and engineering divisions, leveraging over 25 years of experience in systems integration and security programme design.
His leadership has been vital to creating advanced solutions for diverse environments, such as corporate security operations centres and critical infrastructure, earning the firm a reputation for reliability and precision.
Strategic vision and commitment at ZBeta
JJ Knutson remarked, "ZBeta's success has always come from a combination of great people, strong collaboration, and a commitment to doing things the right way."
"Becoming a principal is an honour, and it reinforces how dedicated we are to helping clients build smarter, more resilient security programmes."
Conal O'Doherty's strategic influence
Conal O'Doherty has substantially influenced ZBeta's strategy and brand development, focusing on talent, culture, and client engagement.
His ability to forge lasting relationships has been key to the firm's growth and its people-oriented results.
Looking forward with enhanced leadership
ZBeta's goal of redefining the security sector's operational standards and client interaction
Expressing his enthusiasm, Conal O'Doherty stated, "I’m proud of what we’ve built at ZBeta, but even more inspired by where we’re going. It has always been about attracting the very best talent and enabling them to do their best work."
This leadership restructure strengthens ZBeta's goal of redefining the security sector's operational standards and client interaction.
Future directions for ZBeta
"Conal and JJ have been instrumental in guiding ZBeta’s evolution," CEO Zack Brunette commented.
By appointing them as principals, ZBeta acknowledges their leadership contributions and solidifies the firm's future direction. Brunette believes their blend of strategic insight and client empathy is key to helping organisations thrive.
ZBeta, a pioneer in delivering comprehensive physical security consulting services, now announced that senior executives Conal O’Doherty and Jesse “JJ” Knutson have been named principals of the firm.
In their respective roles as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Conal and JJ have been instrumental in shaping ZBeta’s identity by elevating the brand, enriching the client experience, advancing corporate strategy, strengthening operational performance, and unlocking new growth opportunities. As principals, they will continue to work alongside CEO Zack Brunette to chart the firm’s strategic trajectory, guide operational priorities, and advance the evolution of the organisation.
Transforming the security function
ZBeta has long centered its work on the belief that strong security programs should function as seamlessly as great design, reducing friction while enabling organisations to operate at their highest potential.
The appointment of JJ and Conal as principals further strengthens this approach and further aligns the firm’s leadership around a shared commitment to transforming the security function into a model of organisational excellence.
ZBeta’s leadership team
ZBeta’s leadership team boasts a long history of developing security and business consulting programs that meet client needs while enhancing how organisations operate. Over the years, they’ve worked with Fortune 50 organisations like Amazon, Microsoft, Wells Fargo and other well-regarded organisations to create solutions that blend strategy and innovation with practical know-how and world-class delivery.
This has shaped the firm into a trusted partner for global security pioneers seeking clarity and confidence in a landscape that grows increasingly complex each day.
Prior roles of JJ
As Chief Operating Officer, JJ has provided clear direction and operational leadership across ZBeta’s consulting, design, and engineering practices.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning systems integration, manufacturing, engineering, and high-level security program design, he has led the development of advanced solutions for environments including corporate security operations centres, data centres, financial institutions, critical infrastructure, and complex network architectures. His direct approach, combined with in-depth technical expertise, has significantly contributed to ZBeta’s reputation for precision and dependability.
ZBeta’s success collaboration
“ZBeta’s success has always come from a combination of great people, strong collaboration, and a commitment to doing things the right way,” JJ said.
“Becoming a principal is an honour, and it reinforces how dedicated we are to helping clients build smarter, more resilient security programs. I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together in this next chapter.”
ZBeta’s strategic direction
Conal has been a steady influence on ZBeta’s strategic direction — from corporate strategy and development of the brand to how it approaches it’s Talent and Culture model and how it supports clients and attracts new ones. Throughout his career, he’s helped strengthen organisational performance, build high performance and motivated teams, and create cultures rooted in trust and accountability.
His ability to build genuine, long-lasting relationships has been a major driver of ZBeta’s growth and its focus on delivering meaningful, people-first results.
ZBeta's enhanced leadership structure
“I’m proud of what we’ve built at ZBeta, but even more inspired by where we’re going,” Conal said. “For us, it has always been about attracting the very best talent in the industry and enabling them to do their best work with the best clients and that will continue to be our focus as we move forward. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to join forces with Zack and JJ and for the trust our clients place in us, and I’m excited to continue strengthening those relationships as we grow together.”
With this enhanced leadership structure, ZBeta is reinforcing its long-term vision: to redefine how the security function is designed, implemented, and experienced.
ZBeta’s evolution
“Conal and JJ have been instrumental in guiding ZBeta’s evolution,” Zack said. “Bringing them on board as principles honours the leadership they’ve shown and solidifies the direction we’re heading."
"Their ability to pair strategic insight with client empathy is rare, and it’s at the heart of how we help organisations succeed. I’m looking forward to what the three of us can achieve together as we move into the next evolution of our business.”
